ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Afghan migrants in Pakistan reported that police conducted a house-to-house search in Islamabad’s B-17 sector on Friday morning, detaining dozens of migrants, including women and children.
Witnesses said some of those detained held valid visas but were nonetheless apprehended during the operation. Pakistani authorities have not yet commented on the arrests.
Pakistan hosts more than 1.5 million Afghan migrants, many of whom fled decades of conflict in their home country. In recent months, however, Pakistan has intensified its campaign to deport undocumented migrants and has increased arrests as part of the effort.
The detentions come amid growing pressure on Afghan migrants in Pakistan, with rights groups raising concerns over their treatment and the lack of due process in deportation efforts.
